LAKEPORT -- The co-defendant in the killings of two Maine residents in Lower Lake almost three years ago was set to be released from jail Tuesday morning after pleading guilty to a lesser charge.

Elijah Bae McKay was the key prosecution witness in the double-murder trial of Robby Alan Beasley, whom jurors convicted Dec. 13. McKay, who was not standing trial, testified that he helped Beasley destroy evidence after the slayings and that Beasley revealed details about the crime.

McKay, 30, of Lower Lake originally faced murder stemming from the deaths of Frank and Yvette Maddox Jan. 22, 2010, but deputy district attorney Art Grothe asked the court Tuesday to instead charge McKay with accessory after the fact.

McKay pleaded guilty to the felony count after Judge Richard C. Martin approved the prosecution's request to change the charges.

Defense counsel R. Justin Petersen asked the court to release McKay from the jail in light of the guilty plea, saying McKay has already served more time in custody than he could be sentenced to.

Grothe did not object to the request.

Martin ordered McKay to be released from custody on his own recognizance Tuesday morning. The judge then forwarded the case to the Lake County Probation Department for a report and recommendation.

McKay's sentencing is set for Feb. 19 at the Lake County Courthouse before Judge Andrew S. Blum.

Blum is scheduled to sentence Beasley, 32, of Clearlake Tuesday afternoon for being convicted of double murder and other charges.

Jeremy Walsh is a staff reporter for Lake County Publishing. Reach him at 263-5636, ext. 37 or jwalsh@record-bee.com. Follow him on Twitter, @JeremyDWalsh.